Griswold Board of Education member Frank Everett made his last presentation on the need for a new roof for Griswold High School on Wednesday and, once again, turnout was low.

District officials aren’t sure what that will mean come referendum day.

Armed with a detailed breakdown of the costs based on the worst-case scenario, Everett told those in attendance that even if the roof costs the town $1 million, the taxpayer would see a $22.50 tax increase in the first year, based on a median home price of $150,000. It would decrease each year after that for the duration of the 15-year bond, Everett said.

The district is asking taxpayers to approve $3 million for a new roof, just more than 72 percent of which would be reimbursed by the state if approved in this fiscal year.

“That (percentage) could go up; it could go down,” Everett said.

While all seemingly agree that the school’s roof, which is literally splitting at the seams, needs replacing, some in town are frustrated that the district’s needs seem to be increasing while the town’s budget gets tighter and tighter.

“I think people are frustrated that it always seems to be something for the schools,” resident Jonathan Hardin said.

Hardin said he understands the need for the roof and doesn’t specifically question the cost to taxpayers.

“It’s a large pizza a year,” he said of the tax increase, but he is concerned that the district’s requests seem never-ending.

While some have expressed concern that even a small amount would affect those on a fixed income, Everett said the question should be, “How can we afford not to fix it?”